Configurable hooded garment

ABSTRACT

A system may include a configurable garment having a plurality of fastening mechanisms. The system may also include a plurality of fastening elements, such that the fastening elements may detachably connect to other fastening elements to create a fastening mechanism. The system may be configured in a plurality of configurations according to the arrangement of the fastening mechanisms. The system may also include pockets with concealed entrances on the garment.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a garment with multipleconfigurations determined by a fastening mechanism.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, a garment cannot be easily reconfigured. Forexample, while a suit may be required for certain events throughout theday, the suit may not provide the versatility or comfort of otherclothes that could be worn for the remainder of the day. Thus,conventionally, a wearer must either select one garment to wear for theentire day that best matches the wearers' needs and/or preferences, orbring a plurality of different garments for different needs and/oractivities throughout the day. This often causes problems because theconventional strategy does not provide the functionality of the firstgarment while benefiting from any aspects of the additional garments.For example, a suit may provide functionality during a meeting, but itmay not be needed for the entire day, and in fact may be too restrictivefor some activities. Often, a suit jacket may be stored for meetingsmore than the suit is worn.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts ina simplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This brief overview is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor isthis brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subjectmatter's scope.

Disclosed is a configurable garment wherein a portion of the garment maybe patterned to enable the plurality of configurations. The configurablegarment may take the form of a washable, single-breasted blazercomprising a configurable portion that may transition between a hoodedconfiguration and a lapel configuration by utilizing a plurality offastening elements. Further, the blazer may include a pocket with aconcealed entrance. Therefore, the disclosed garment may take the formof a traditional blazer when needed or desired by a wearer, and may takethe form of a traditional sweatshirt when the functionality and/orformality of a blazer is not desirable for the wearer.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoingbrief overview and the following detailed description should not beconsidered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may beprovided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodimentsmay be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinationsdescribed in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarksand copyrights owned by the Applicant. In addition, the drawings maycontain other marks owned by third parties and are being used forillustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks andcopyrights represented herein, except those belonging to theirrespective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicant. TheApplicant retains and reserves all rights in its trademarks andcopyrights included herein, and grants permission to reproduce thematerial only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent andfor no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explaincertain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included forillustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodimentsdetailed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a configurable garment in alapel configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a configurable garmenttransitioning between configurations;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a configurable garment in thehooded configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket configuration of thegarment with the side entrance to the pocket concealed;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the pocket accessed through the sideentrance;

FIG. 6 illustrates one possible location for the plurality of fasteningmechanisms in the hooded configuration and the lapel configuration;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view and back view of the configurablegarment in the hooded configuration;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view and back view of the configurablegarment in the lapel configuration; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart representing a first method of using theconfigurable garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broadutility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment mayincorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects ofthe disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality ofthe features disclosed herein. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed andidentified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best modecontemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail inrelation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure andare made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments isnot intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, whichscope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It isnot intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by readinginto any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appearin the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather thanthe description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join alist of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does notexclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein tojoin a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to theelements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described hereinmay be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to thedisclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description doesnot limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure isdefined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers.It should be understood that these headers are used as references andare not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosedunder the header.

A garment may be configured such that the garment can be worn orotherwise used in a plurality of garment configurations. For example,the garment may be a hooded jacket configurable to in a variety ofconfigurations, such that each configuration enhances differentfunctional and/or aesthetic aspects of the garment.

I. APPARATUS OVERVIEW

This overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below. This overview is notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used to limit theclaimed subject matter's scope.

The embodiments described herein offer a configurable garment that isoperative to provide a plurality of configurations using a plurality offastening mechanisms. One or more (e.g., each) fastening mechanism maybe embedded within the material of the garment, between layers of fabricin the garment, and/or integrated into the pattern of the garment.Accordingly, the configurable garment may be designed to transition froma first configuration to a second configuration depending on how theplurality of fastening mechanisms are attached.

The configurable garment may include at least one fastening mechanism insome embodiments. The fastening mechanism may secure at least a portionof the garment in a desired configuration. The fastening mechanism maycomprise a plurality of detachably connectable fastening elements. Thedetachably connectable fastening elements may be distributed across thegarment in various locations corresponding to the plurality ofconfigurations associated with the garment. In embodiments in which theconfigurable garment includes a plurality of fastening mechanisms, theplurality of fastening mechanisms may enable the garment to performvarious functions. As examples, the functions may include storage (e.g.,stowing of unused portions of the garment like an unused hood portion orformation of and access to a concealed pocket), protection (e.g.,providing a hood to protect from the elements), and/or various otherfunctions that can be performed based on the structure of the garment.

Though the embodiments described herein include configuration such as ahooded configuration, a lapel configuration, and a pocket configuration,various embodiments of the garment may include more and/or differentgarment configurations such as, for example, a standing collar, aturnover collar, a flat collar, shortened sleeves, or any other possiblegarment configuration.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a configurable garment 100 in alapel configuration. The configurable garment 100 may include a firstfastening mechanism 110 embedded within a hem of the garment. The firstfastening mechanism 110 may be formed by, for example, a plurality offastening elements 120. Each fastening element 120 may be, for example,a magnet, a releasable adhesive, a hook, and/or any other passive and/oractive fastening element. The fastening elements 120 may be configuredto detachably connect to one or more other fastening elements 120, ofthe plurality of fastening elements that make up the fastening mechanism110. The fastening mechanism 110 may releasably secure the garment 100in a desired configuration. For example, fastening mechanism 110 maysecure the garment 100 in a lapel configuration. In some embodiments,securing the garment in the lapel configuration 130 may includedetachably securing portions of the garment that would otherwise freelymove relative to one another through the utilization of the fasteningelements 120. In particular, the fastening mechanism 110 may include afirst fastening element 120 disposed within a lapel 130 of the garment100, and a second fastening element 120 disposed within a collar 140 ofthe garment. The first fastening element may be detachably connected tothe second fastening element, such that the lapel is held to the collarin the style of a notch lapel, stepped lapel, or toothed lapel. As aparticular example, the first fastening element 120 and the secondfastening element 120 may be magnets, that may be detachably connectedvia a magnetic force to detachably connect the lapel 130 to the collar140 such that the secured portion of the garment and the lapel may bedetachably connected without creating a permanent seam on the garment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the configurable garment 100transitioning between configurations according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Accordingly, in some embodiments, fastening elements120 may detach to allow for the reconfiguration of the garment 100. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2 , the first fastening element 120 disposedwithin the lapel 130 may be detached from the second fastening element120 in the collar 140. When the fastening elements 120 are detached, thecollar 140 may move freely relative to the lapel 130. For example, asshown in FIG. 2 , the collar 140 may include a hood, and may be liftedto transition from a lapel configuration to a hooded configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the configurable garment 100 inthe hooded configuration. In some embodiments, the configurable garment100 may include at least some fastening elements 120 in the detachedstate. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first fastening elementdisposed in the lapel 130 is detached from the second fastening element120 in the collar 140.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket on the garment 100. Inembodiments, the garment 100 is configured to include a pocket 400, thepocket having a side entrance 410. In embodiments, the side entrance 410may be concealed, such that it is not visible to an observer. In someembodiments, the configurable garment 100 the pocket 400 may include atop entrance 420. The top entrance 420 of the pocket 400 may be at leastpartially usable as a pocket. The side entrance 410 to the pocket 400may be hidden in the pocket, such that, for example, the pocket 400 doesnot appear to have a side entrance 410. In embodiments, the sideentrance 410 may be constructed such that it may prevent any items fromwithin the pocket 400 from falling out while side entrance 410 isconcealed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the pocket 400 in the accessed using theside entrance 410. In some embodiments the garment 100 may be configuredto enable access to pocket 400 though the side entrance of the pocket410. In some embodiments the accessible side entrance 410 of the pocket400 may utilize a fastening mechanism (e.g., including fasteningelements such as magnets, snaps, buttons, hooks, etc.) disposedproximate to the side entrance 410 to configure the pocket 400 to securethe side entrance 410 to the garment 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates possible locations for the plurality of a fasteningmechanism 110 and configurations of the fastening elements 120 in thelapel configuration (on the left) and the hooded configuration (on theright). In the lapel configuration, the fastening mechanism 110 securesa collar portion of the hood 140 or lapel 130 to a corresponding portionof the magnetic fastening mechanism 110 embedded within a body portionof the garment at a location corresponding to the location of thefastening mechanism 110 in the portion of the hood 140 or the lapel 130using a plurality of fastening elements 120. In some embodiments ofpresent disclosure, the fastening mechanism 110 may comprise a firstfastening element 120 located within the hood 140 or the lapel 130 andone or more mating fastening elements 122 embedded within the garment100. The one or more mating fastening elements 122 may be embeddedwithin the garment 100 such that they detachably connect to thefastening elements 122 located within the hood 140 or the lapel 130 ofthe garment according to the desired configuration of the garment 100.The fastening elements 120 may comprise, for example, sets of permanentor temporary magnets. The fastening elements 120 may be embedded withinthe garment 100 such that there is no visual indication of theirlocation. For example, the fastening elements 120 may be embedded withinthe fabric used to form the garment, disposed between two layers offabric used to form the garment, or the like. Each of the fasteningelements 120 may be configured to detachably connect to other fasteningelements 120 distributed throughout the garment, which form thefastening mechanism 110 to secure the garment in a desired configurationwhen the plurality of fastening elements 120 are connected. For example,fastening mechanism 110 may comprise a plurality of magnetic fasteningelements 120 to secure the garment in the lapel configuration, as shownin the left-hand side of FIG. 6 . In embodiments, the fastening elements120 may be detached such that fastening mechanism 110 is released,allowing unrestricted movement of at least the collar and hood portion140 of the garment 100, relative to the lapel 130. Upon reconfigurationof at least some portion of the garment 100, the fastening elements 120,at new locations, may be connected to different fastening elements ofthe fastening mechanism 110.

In some embodiments, a desired configuration may be achieved by leavingone or more fastening elements 120 of the fastening mechanism 110detached from all other fastening elements of the fastening mechanism.For example, in the hooded configuration (the right-hand side of FIG. 6), at least one fastening element 120 (e.g., the fastening element 120disposed in the collar 140) may be detach from the other fasteningelements in the fastening mechanism 110, such that the collar and hoodportion 140 of the garment 100 associated with the hooded configurationmay move unrestricted.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view and back view of the configurablegarment in the hooded configuration. The configurable garment 100 mayhave at least one fastening mechanism 110 comprising a plurality offastening elements 120 distributed throughout the garment 100. Thehooded configuration may correspond to at least one configuration, of aplurality of configurations of the garment 100. As discussed above,configurations of the garment 100 may result from one or more of theplurality of fastening elements 120 being detached from other fasteningelements 120 of the fastening mechanism 110 to enable a desiredconfiguration of the garment, such as the hooded configuration. Thegarment 100 may include a pocket 400 and/or a breast pocket 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view and back view of the configurablegarment 100 in the lapel configuration. The configurable garment 100 mayhave a fastening mechanism 110 comprising a plurality of fasteningelements 120 distributed throughout the garment 100. The lapelconfiguration may correspond to at least one of the plurality ofconfigurations of the garment 100. Configuration of the garment 100 inthe lapel configuration may result from a plurality of fasteningelements 120 that make up the fastening mechanism 110 being detachablyconnected. The fastening mechanism 110 may secure at least a portion ofthe garment 100 in a desired configuration such that the garment mayfunction as if the desired configuration were permanent. In embodiments,the fastening elements 120 may comprise magnets. For example, thefastening elements 120 may be embedded within the fabric of garment 100and/or disposed between two layers of fabric that make up the garment,such that the fastening elements are not visible to an observer. One ormore of the fastening elements 120 may detachably connect to otherfastening elements, without attaching to other objects in theenvironment surrounding the configurable garment 100. For example, thefastening elements 120 may lack the strength to attach to objects in theenvironment surrounding the garment 100. In some embodiments, thegarment 100 may include a pocket 400 and/or a breast pocket 700.

The present application relates to a configurable garment with anattached hood patterned as part of the collar. A fastening mechanism isembedded within the garment according to the different configurations tosecure the garment in the different configurations. In a firstconfiguration the fastening mechanism may be oriented to allow the hoodportion to move freely, independent of the fastening mechanism or otherportions of the configurable garment. A second configuration maycomprise the fastening mechanism engaged to secure the hooded portion tothe garment such that the hood appears as part of the patterned lapel.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise methods, systems, andcomponents comprising, but not limited to, at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   A. A Configurable Garment;    -   B. A Plurality of Fastening Mechanisms;    -   In some embodiments, the present disclosure may provide        additional components for further facilitating the system. The        additional set of components may comprise, but not be limited        to:    -   C. A Pocket with a Concealed Entrance; and    -   D. A Breast Pocket.

Details with regards to each component is provided below. Althoughcomponents are disclosed with specific functionality, it should beunderstood that functionality may be shared between components, withsome functions split between components, while other functionsduplicated by the components. Furthermore, the name of the componentshould not be construed as limiting upon the functionality of thecomponent. Moreover, each stage disclosed within each component can beconsidered independently without the context of the other stages withinthe same component or different components. Each stage may containlanguage defined in other portions of this specifications. Each stagedisclosed for one component may be mixed with the operational stages ofanother component. In the present disclosure, each stage can be claimedon its own and/or interchangeably with other stages of other components.

The following depicts an example of a method of a plurality of methodsthat may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components.Various hardware components may be used at the various stages ofoperations disclosed with reference to each component. For example,although methods may be described to be performed by a single apparatus,it should be understood that, in some embodiments, different operationsmay be performed by different apparatuses operating in conjunction witheach other. Similarly, one apparatus may be employed in the performanceof some or all of the stages of the methods. As such, the apparatus maycomprise at least one of the components disclosed herein.

Furthermore, although the stages of the following example method aredisclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the orderis disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined,separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist.Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in variousembodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the onesclaimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed withoutaltering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methodsand systems disclosed herein.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may beperformed by at least one of the aforementioned components. The methodmay be embodied as, for example, but not limited to, computerinstructions, which when executed, perform the method. The method maycomprise the following stages:

-   -   detach a plurality of fastening mechanism associated with the        garment;    -   rearrange the garment in a desired configuration;    -   secure the garment in the desired configuration with the        fastening mechanism; and    -   utilize the garment in the desired configuration.

II. APPARATUS/SYSTEM USE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system operative by aset of methods comprising instructions configured to operate theaforementioned components in accordance with the methods. The followingdepicts an example of a method of a plurality of methods that may beperformed by at least one of the aforementioned components. Varioushardware components may be used at the various stages of operationsdisclosed with reference to each component.

For example, although methods may be described to be performed by asingle component, it should be understood that, in some embodiments,different operations may be performed by different components inoperative relation with one another. For example, an apparatus may beemployed in the performance of some or all of the stages disclosed withregard to the methods. As such, the apparatus may comprise at least onearchitectural component disclosed herein.

Furthermore, although the stages of the following example method aredisclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the orderis disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined,separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist.Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in variousembodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the onesclaimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed withoutaltering or deterring the fundamental scope of the depicted methods andsystems disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing one possible process or method 900for operating a configurable garment (e.g., the configurable garment100). In particular, the method 900 recites stages used to transform thegarment from a first configuration to a second configuration.

The method 900 may begin at stage 910, where a plurality of fasteningmechanisms associated with the garment may be detached. For example, auser may separate magnetic fastening elements using a mechanical force(e.g., by pulling on the fastening elements themselves and/or the fabricsurrounding the fastening elements. Accordingly, stage 910 maycorrespond to reconfiguring a plurality of fastening elements.

In stage 920, the configurable garment may be rearranged into thedesired configuration. For example, the wearer may raise or lower thehood and/or collar to a desired position.

In stage 930, with the garment in the desired configuration. In someembodiments, securing the garment in the desired configuration may beaccomplished using one or more fastening elements associated with afastening mechanism. For example, one or more fastening elements of thefastening mechanism may be connected to another fastening element.Additionally, or alternatively, one or more fastening elements of thefastening mechanism may be maintained in a disconnected state,disconnected from other fastening elements of the fastening mechanism.

In stage 940 the garment may be utilized in the desired configurationaccording to the configuration of the fastening mechanisms. Inembodiments, the garment may be utilized as though it were permanentlyarranged in the desired configuration.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may beperformed by at least one of the aforementioned components. The systemmay be comprise the following components:

-   -   1. A garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment        configurations;        -   a. wherein the garment is patterned for at least a hooded            configuration and a lapel configuration;    -   2. A plurality of fastening mechanisms;        -   a. wherein the fastening mechanisms are configured to secure            the garment in a desired configuration with a plurality of            fastening mechanisms.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure the system maycomprise a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garmentconfigurations. A non-limiting example includes a garment that may bepatterned to enable at least a hooded configuration and a lapelconfiguration of the configurable garment. Some embodiments of thepresent disclosure may enable the garment to be patterned such that itmay enable the independent movement of at least a portion of thegarment. Additionally, configurable elements of the garment may bepatterned together as a single garment. Further, the garment may beconstructed such that it may be washable. The plurality of garmentconfigurations may enable different functional aspects of the garment ineach of the plurality of garment configurations.

The first configuration of the garment may correspond to at least somefastening elements being detached from other fastening elements that maycorrespond to the fastening mechanism. In a first configuration thegarment may enable at least a portion of the garment to moveindependently of the rest of the garment. For example, the garment mayenable a portion of the garment to function as a head covering in thehooded configuration. The head covering may be incorporated into theoriginal pattern that may be used when creating the garment. Additionalembodiments may also enable access to a concealed pocket or otherportion of the configurable garment that may be otherwise inaccessiblein other configurations of the garment.

The garment may be arranged into a desired configuration and secured bya fastening mechanism comprised of a plurality of fastening elements. Ina second configuration, the garment may enable at least a portion of thegarment to be secured, at least in part, by the fastening mechanism. Forexample, the first garment configuration may comprise a lapelconfiguration. In the non-limiting embodiment of the lapelconfiguration, the garment may be configured to secure a portion of thegarment with at least one fastening element corresponding to at leastone fastening mechanism.

The garment may be secured in a desired garment configuration throughthe use of a plurality of fastening mechanisms. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure may integrate the fastening mechanism into theconfigurable garment. For example, the fastening mechanism may beintegrated into the pattern of the garment, placed between layers offabric, or otherwise become an integral portion of the garment. Othernon-limiting examples of fastening mechanism placement may include thehem of the garment, such as the hem of the collar or the hem of thelapel. In some embodiments of the present application the fasteningmechanism may be embedded into the material of the configurable garmentsuch that the fastening mechanism may be undetectable from an externalview of the garment. Further the fastening mechanism may be configuredto be removable from the garment in embodiments of the presentdisclosure, enabling the garment to be washed easily without thefastening elements disrupting the washing process. Accordingly, thefastening mechanism may also be machine washable.

Some embodiments the fastening mechanism may comprise a plurality offastening elements that together make up the fastening mechanism. Insuch embodiments the fastening mechanism may comprise fastening elementslocated throughout the garment such that the fastening elements maydetachably connect to other fastening elements throughout the garment tosecure the garment in the desired configuration. The fastening elementsmay comprise a magnet, adhesive, hook, or other passive and activeelements for physically securing the garment. In some embodimentsmultiple fastening elements may be used for the fastening element. Insuch situations, the fastening elements may be configured to detachablyconnect to other fastening elements. Accordingly, when a connection hasbeen made, the strength of the connection between the fastening elementsthat make up the fastening mechanism may be sufficient to secure atleast a portion of the garment in a desired configuration according tothe desired configuration of the garment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fastening mechanismcomprising a first and second fastening element. The first fasteningelements may be located in a hem of the garment (e.g. hem of the lapel,hem of the collar). The second fastening element may be located in aposition corresponding to a location on the garment where the firstfastening element may be located according to the desired configurationof the garment. Accordingly, the first fastening mechanism may belocated in the garment such that as the garment is reconfigured to theplurality of desired configurations, there may be fastening elementscorresponding to the location of the fastening mechanism for the desiredgarment configuration. As such, there may be some fastening elementsthat may correspond to a plurality of fastening mechanisms. For example,the first fastening element may be located at a position to enable thelapel configuration. According to such an embodiment, the secondfastening element may be embedded within the garment at a location suchthat the second fastening element may detachably connect to the firstfastening element. In some embodiments the fastening elements may beembedded within the fabric of the garment such that the fasteningelement may not be exposed to the environment.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure may enable the garmentand fastening mechanism to be configured to enable access to a concealedpocket entrance. The concealed pocket entrance may be designed to appearaccessible from a different portion of the garment than the location ofthe concealed pocket entrance. In one non-limiting example the garmentmay be configured with a flapped pocket with the flap on the verticaledge of the pocket, the concealable fastening garment may use a passivefastening mechanism such as, but not limited to a seam or otherfastening element to disguise the entrance to the concealed pocket.

Although the stages are disclosed in a particular order, it should beunderstood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only.Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediarystages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the variousstages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements thatdiffer from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may beadded or removed from the without altering or deterring from thefundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

III. ASPECTS

The following disclose various Aspects of the present disclosure. Thevarious Aspects are not to be construed as patent claims unless thelanguage of the Aspect appears as a patent claim. The Aspects describevarious non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

Aspect 1. A system comprising:

-   -   a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment        configurations comprising:        -   a hooded configuration, and        -   a lapel configuration; and    -   a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms configured to        secure the garment in a desired garment configuration of the        plurality of garment configurations, the plurality of magnetic        fastening mechanisms comprising:        -   a first magnetic fastening mechanism located in the lapel of            the garment, and        -   a second magnetic fastening mechanism located in the hood of            the garment;        -   wherein each magnetic fastening mechanism, of the plurality            of magnetic fastening mechanisms, comprises a plurality of            magnetic fastening elements, and wherein each magnetic            fastening element is configured to detachably connect to the            other fastening elements of the magnetic fastening            mechanism, the plurality of magnetic fastening elements            comprising:            -   a first magnetic fastening element located in a hem of                the garment corresponding to the location of the                magnetic fastening mechanism, and            -   a second magnetic fastening mechanism embedded within                the garment corresponding to the location of the first                magnetic fastening element in a desired garment                configuration.                Aspect 2. A system comprising:    -   a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment        configurations comprising:        -   a hooded configuration, and        -   a lapel configuration; and    -   a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms configured to        secure the garment in a desired garment configuration of the        plurality of garment configurations, the plurality of magnetic        fastening mechanisms comprising:        -   a first magnetic fastening mechanism located at the lapel            portion of the garment, the first magnetic fastening            mechanism including:            -   a first magnetic fastening element located in a hem of                the lapel, and            -   a second magnetic fastening element embedded in a body                of the garment, wherein the first magnetic fastening                element and the second magnetic fastening element are                magnetically coupled while the garment is arranged in                the hooded configuration; and        -   a second magnetic fastening mechanism located in the hood of            the garment, the second magnetic fastening mechanism            including:            -   a third magnetic fastening element located in a hem of                the hood, and            -   a fourth magnetic fastening element embedded within the                body of the garment wherein the third magnetic fastening                element and the fourth magnetic fastening element are                magnetically coupled while the garment is arranged in                the lapel configuration.                Aspect 3. A system comprising:    -   a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment        configurations; and    -   a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms embedded        indistinguishably throughout the material of the garment,        wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms are        configured to detachably connect such that at least a portion of        the garment is secured in the desired configuration by the        embedded magnetic fastening mechanisms.        Aspect 4. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprises a first magnetic        fastening mechanism embedded within the hem of the garment and a        second magnetic fastening mechanism embedded within the garment        to detachably connect to the first fastening mechanism while the        garment is in a first garment configuration, of the plurality of        garment configurations.        Aspect 5. The system of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein        the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms are configured to        secure the garment in a plurality of locations associated with        the desired configuration of the garment.        Aspect 6. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms further comprises        a plurality of magnetic fastening elements, the magnetic        fastening elements comprising a permanent magnet or a temporary        magnet such that the magnetic fastening elements can only        connect to the other magnetic fastening elements.        Aspect 7. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the magnetic fastening elements comprise a temporary magnet or a        permanent magnet.        Aspect 8. The system of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein        the fastening mechanism is configured to be temporarily removed        from the garment.        Aspect 9. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the fastening mechanism can be relocated on the garment.        Aspect 10. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the plurality of garment configurations comprises a hooded        configuration and a lapel configuration.        Aspect 11. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the desired configuration of the garment transforms the        aesthetic functionality of the garment in the desired        configuration of the garment.        Aspect 12. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the desired configuration of the garment is on the internal        lining of the garment.        Aspect 13. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the plurality of fastening mechanisms forms a pocket as a result        of the garment secured by the connected fastening elements.        Aspect 14. The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein        the plurality of fastening mechanisms do not prevent access to        the concealed part of the garment unused for the desired        configuration of the garment.        Aspect 15. A system comprising:    -   a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment        configurations, the garment in a first configuration associated        with a configuration of a plurality of magnetic fastening        mechanisms;    -   a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms distributed        throughout the patterned garment, wherein the plurality of        magnetic fastening mechanisms are configured to detachably        connect to other magnetic fastening mechanisms of the plurality        of magnetic fastening mechanisms to secure the garment in a        first garment configuration;    -   wherein a first magnetic fastening mechanism comprises a first        magnetic fastening element, a second magnetic fastening element,        and a third magnetic fastening element, and        -   wherein the first magnetic fastening element is configured            to detachably connect to the second magnetic fastening            element in a first garment configuration, and        -   wherein the first magnetic fastening element detachably            connects to the third magnetic fastening element in a second            garment configuration.            Aspect 16. The system of any of the preceding aspects,            wherein a plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise            at least one fastening element.            Aspect 17 The system of any of the preceding aspects,            wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms            comprise a plurality of magnetic fastening elements, the            magnetic fastening element comprising a permanent magnet or            a temporary magnet.            Aspect 18. The system of any of the preceding aspects,            wherein the magnetic fastening mechanism can be temporarily            removed from the garment.            Aspect 19. The system of any of the preceding aspects,            wherein the magnetic fastening mechanism can be relocated on            the garment.            Aspect 20. The system of any of the preceding aspects,            wherein the first garment configuration corresponds to a            hood configuration and the second garment configuration            corresponds to a lapel configuration.            Aspect 21. The system of any of the preceding aspects,            wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening elements are            indistinguishably embedded throughout the material of the            patterned garment.

IV. CLAIMS

While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope isindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specificationhas been described in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as examples for embodiments of the disclosure.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing discloseany additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claimsbelow, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right tofile one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures isreserved.

The following is claimed:
 1. A system comprising: a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment configurations comprising: a hooded configuration, and a lapel configuration; and a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms configured to secure the garment in a desired garment configuration of the plurality of garment configurations, the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms comprising: a first magnetic fastening mechanism located at the lapel portion of the garment, the first magnetic fastening mechanism including: a first magnetic fastening element located in a hem of the lapel, and a second magnetic fastening element embedded in a body of the garment, wherein the first magnetic fastening element and the second magnetic fastening element are magnetically coupled while the garment is arranged in the hooded configuration; and a second magnetic fastening mechanism located in the hood of the garment, the second magnetic fastening mechanism including: a third magnetic fastening element located in a hem of the hood, and a fourth magnetic fastening element embedded within the body of the garment wherein the third magnetic fastening element and the fourth magnetic fastening element are magnetically coupled while the garment is arranged in the lapel configuration.
 2. A system comprising: a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment configurations; and a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms embedded indistinguishably throughout the material of the garment, wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms are configured to detachably connect such that at least a portion of the garment is secured in the desired configuration by the embedded magnetic fastening mechanisms.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprises a first magnetic fastening mechanism embedded within the hem of the garment and a second magnetic fastening mechanism embedded within the garment to detachably connect to the first fastening mechanism while the garment is in a first garment configuration, of the plurality of garment configurations.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms are configured to secure the garment in a plurality of locations associated with the desired configuration of the garment.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms further comprise a plurality of magnetic fastening elements, the magnetic fastening elements comprising a permanent magnet or a temporary magnet such that the magnetic fastening elements can only connect to the other magnetic fastening elements.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the magnetic fastening elements comprise a temporary magnet or a permanent magnet.
 7. The system of claim 2, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to be temporarily removed from the garment.
 8. The system of claim 2, wherein the fastening mechanism can be relocated on the garment.
 9. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of garment configurations comprise a hooded configuration and a lapel configuration.
 10. The system of claim 2, wherein the desired configuration of the garment transforms the aesthetic functionality of the garment in the desired configuration of the garment.
 11. The system of claim 2, wherein the desired configuration of the garment is on the internal lining of the garment.
 12. The system of claim 2, wherein the configurable garment further comprises at least one pocket.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one pocket further comprises a concealed side entrance to the pocket.
 14. A system comprising: a garment patterned to enable a plurality of garment configurations, the garment in a first configuration associated with a configuration of a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms; a plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms distributed throughout the patterned garment, wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms are configured to detachably connect to other magnetic fastening mechanisms of the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms to secure the garment in a first garment configuration; wherein a first magnetic fastening mechanism comprises a first magnetic fastening element, a second magnetic fastening element, and a third magnetic fastening element, and wherein the first magnetic fastening element is configured to detachably connect to the second magnetic fastening element in a first garment configuration, and wherein the first magnetic fastening element detachably connects to the third magnetic fastening element in a second garment configuration.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein a plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise at least one fastening element.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening mechanisms comprise a plurality of magnetic fastening elements, the magnetic fastening element comprising a permanent magnet or a temporary magnet.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the magnetic fastening mechanism can be temporarily removed from the garment.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the magnetic fastening mechanism can be relocated on the garment.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the first garment configuration corresponds to a hood configuration and the second garment configuration corresponds to a lapel configuration.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of magnetic fastening elements are indistinguishably embedded throughout the material of the patterned garment. 